The MCRMA (Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association) has launched a new institute of excellence for individuals to enable the skills, competence, specialisms and value of those working within the UK’s metal roofing and facades sector to be recognised more formally.
The MCRI – Metal Cladding & Roofing Institute – has been developed in response to the significant change impacting the whole construction sector. This is placing increased scrutiny on whether the individuals employed to complete a task within the construction supply chain are competent to do so.
Unlike the MCRMA, which is an association of companies, the MCRI is focused on individuals. One of its core objectives is to encourage the development of the skills and knowledge of members through the active involvement of recognised CPD learning and the engagement of others to advance their careers within the sector.
The MCRI will facilitate a range of CPD approved training modules and materials via the MCRMA and other sources covering the design, installation and maintenance of metal cladding and roofing.
Another key priority for the institute will be communication and keeping members up to date with the latest information on newly emerging standards, policies and processes. The aim here is to help members stay ahead of the curve and work in a fully compliant way in what has become a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Four grades
Four membership grades are available – Affiliate, Associate, Member and Fellow – to reflect an individual’s experience and skills, all of which require a minimum of 24 hours CPD to be completed annually. In conjunction with a Health, Safety and Environment Test, Members and Fellows will also have the benefit of being eligible to apply for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card.
Access to training and compliance with the new competency requirements are not the only benefits to members, however. Associates, Members and Fellows will also be able to demonstrate their expertise to the wider construction industry through a personal profile on the MCRI website and regular communications from the institute will ensure members are kept in the loop about important industry developments.
Carlton Jones, Director of the MCRI (pictured above), comments…
“The construction sector is rapidly changing and that makes it extremely important for everyone involved in the metal building envelope supply chain to ensure they are aware of what they need to do to stay compliant – and find the support they require to do so.
“That’s why we have developed the MCRI. This institute primarily recognises the knowledge and experience of individuals, rather than what businesses or companies offer collectively, and that is why one of the founding principles is to support those working in the sector to promote their competencies and continued development.
“Another important dimension to the MCRI is recognising and representing those who work behind the scenes and are less customer-facing, but who make an enormous contribution to the success of metal building envelope projects.
“Individuals working in back-room technical roles and business support teams, for example, often have a wealth of knowledge and experience but they are sometimes overlooked. We want to change this by enabling them to become MCRI members, so their involvement can be formally recognised, and the institute can support their needs for ongoing development and compliance with competency demands.”
MCRMA Resources
The MCRI will provide access to CPD training. Many of the MCRMA’s existing resources will be available for use here, but there is a wealth of other industry-appropriate subject matter published elsewhere that members will be able to utilise, including CPDs from manufacturers, established and recognised training routes, plus in-house training.
This model will help members cover the complete spectrum of topics and issues from understanding the Building Safety Act, British Standards and Golden Thread requirements, to the technicalities of specific products and systems.
Anyone interested in becoming an MCRI member can request a membership pack by emailing info@mcri.co.uk.
Further information on the MCRI can be found at www.mcri.co.uk.
